U18 Asia Games: Friday 22 July
TEHRAN (2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship) - Here are the four games scheduled for Day 1 of the 2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship. Check out all of the games live on FIBA's YouTube channel.
TEHRAN (2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship) - Here are the four games scheduled for Day 1 of the 2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship.
Check out all of the games live on FIBA's YouTube channel.
Follow the action live on the FIBA Asia U18 live feed.
Kazakhstan v Lebanon
The last time these two teams met at this level was when Lebanon beat Kazakhstan, 83-67, in the 2010 FIBA Asia U18 Championship in Sana’a, Yemen. Now the Central Asians will try to get payback even as the Lebanese are hoping to make a splash. The Kazakhs, with only nine players, will be undermanned, though, and that’s something the Cedars should most certainly exploit.
Iraq v China
For sure the Iraqis will have their work cut out for them as they try to spring an upset on no less than the defending champions on opening day. China beat Iraq by 35 points in the 2010 edition, and they are expected to have another very strong showing in this competition. Of course there’s no better way to do just that than with a statement game to open their campaign.
Japan v Korea
This battle of East Asian powers promises to be one of the most exciting matches on Day 1. Korea have beaten Japan in three of their last four meeting at this level, and the Akatsuki Five last defeated their neighbors way back in 1996. Korea should lean on their big three of Yang Jaemin, Lee Junghyun and Shin Minsuk, while Japan will rely on sharp-shooter Yudai Nishida and big man Avi Schafer.
India v Thailand
India are much taller than Thailand, but the Thais will boast one of the most potentially explosive players of the tournament in American-born Justin Bassey. Bassey will have to do a lot of heavy lifting for his team, while the Indians should be bannered by their leading scorer in the 2015 U16 tourney, Baladhaneshwar Poiyamozhi, and 2013 U16 veteran Vishal Gupta.
Indonesia v Iran
The Indons are undersized and undermanned, which do not bode well for their chances against a bigger Iranian team playing in front of their home crowd. Veteran youth team member Amirhosein Azari is expected to be an impact player for Team Melli, while Amirhosein Khandanpoor should dominate in the paint against a much smaller frontline from Indonesia.
Philippines v Chinese Taipei
It is only fitting that the opening day end with what should be a very thrilling match-up between SEABA kings Philippines and a deep Taipei quintet. Wu Pei-Chia and Chen Yu-Wei are fresh from the 2016 FIBA U17 Championship, and they should bring the fruits of their campaign to bear against a Batang Gilas squad that will be bannered by 2014 FIBA U17 Championship veteran Jolo Mendoza and FIBA 3x3 hotshot Joshua Sinclair.
FIBA